CO882-(2-3) — Page 252

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference

TITTIC.O.882

2 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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The territory was never given to him, he was merely sent there to look after it and collect the taxes. This, however, is different from the wording of the grants, which seem to convey every power short of sovereignty.

Krean.

79. The Krean revenues were then mentioned, when the Raja Muda said that although before the disturbances the Mantri collected the taxes there, he did not now; and he, the Raja Muda, collected a poll-tax, amounting to about 6,000 dollars a-year; that in Perak his revenues were raised by a royalty on tin, and port and river dues, there being about 6,000 miners at work up the Perak River, who recognize him as Sultan.

Disturbances.

80. The Raja Muda, on saying he did not know how the disturbances at Larut had broken out, was asked why he allowed his Malays to fight, if he did not know? On this he said that they had all been killed; that some of the Chinese Headmen offered to acknowledge him as Sultan, and he accepted their allegiance; and that he knew nothing of the piratical boats, but would co-operate to stop them.

Mantri.

81. On being asked what powers he would give the Mantri if installed? the Raja Muda at once said, that that was a question for the Bandahara, who would settle it; that he, the Raja Muda, did not wish to turn the Mantri out, but that he wished to have some of his people with the Mantri, to assist him to govern; that he should like to have a British officer, not only at Larut, but also in Perak, at his own place, and he would gladly pay the expense; and that, if installed, he would agree to the Bandahara Ismail having the title of ex-Sultan, with a small territory to govern, and a proper income; that he was not unfriendly to -Ismail, as his father had made him Bandahara, He further said that he would confirm the officers already appointed by Ismail.

Ciril List.

82. The Governor then opened the question of the disposal of the revenues, which will be very large when the Chinese are at full work again, and the taxes regularly collected.

83. The Raja Mudo said he agreed to a civil list, and would take, as formerly, a portion of the revenues of Larut for the general purposes of Perak, and was willing that the revenue should be managed under the advice of a British officer.

84. The Governor then called upon the Raja Muda to speak his mind frankly, and not leave him in the dark; on which the Raja Muda said, he was perfectly satisfied with everything the Governor had so far said, and would object to anything to be said, if he thought it ought to be objected to.

Arrival of Mantri.

85. At this time the Mantri, who had been sent for, came alongside the "Pluto," with the Tumongong, and one of the inferior Chiefs, Datu Sagor. On coming on deck, and seeing all the other great officers sitting on the deck, according to Malay custom, the Mantri seemed disinclined to go near them; but on the Tumongong, who is his superior in rank, and his friend, taking his place, the Mantri followed his example.

Position of Bundahara Ismail.

86. The Governor then put the question.—Were any of you at the installation of the Bandahara Ismail as Sultan? The Tumongong, Mantri, and Datu Sagor said they were present; and, on being asked to tell the truth, the Mantri said the Raja Bandahara (present) sent round to collect the people on the death of Sultan Alli, his father, and told them Sultan Ismail was elected, and they all agreed to it; but he did not know if he were appointed temporarily, or permanently.

The Bandaharu.—1 was young then, and did not know anything about it.

The Tumongong. I cannot say if it was temporary, or permanent; I was sick. 87. The Governor then asked the Mantri-Did you get a new chop or grant from the Raja Muda? To which the Mantri answered, Yes; that he wanted to see if the chop was the same as the one he had from his father, Sultan Jaffar; and, on the Governor following the question with, If he was only Raja Muda, what was the use of his chop to you? The Mantri remained silent.

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88. The Governor then said.-If Ismail was installed as Sultan, why were the people called together for consultation about the Raja Muda? To which the Mantri replied, Ismail sent me to the Raja Muda to ask him to come, that he, Ismail, might give the Regalia to bim, the Raja Muda.

Confirmation of Raja Muda Abdulla.

89. The Governor then asked all present, If the Raja Muda accepts the Sultanship, are there enough great men of the country present to confirm him? To which there appeared to be a general assent; but the Mantri fenced, and at last, on being pressed, he said, I think there are enough, if the Raja Muda thinks he ought to be made Sultan.

The Governor then addressed the whole assembly, and intreated them to state if there was any objection to the Raja Muda se Sultan, and did they know of any other person who should be installed? The Mantri said, whatever the Bandphara says, I am bound to obey.

The Governor. But tell me your own opinion?

The Mantri.—The proper thing would be to inquire of all the inhabitants of the country.

The Governor-Have you ever heard of the people (ryots) being consulted in a Malay country as to who is to be King?

The Mantri.-When Ismail was chosen, the people were there, and, I suppose, took

a part in the business. This, however, was denied by the other Chiefs.

At this time, 2·80 F.M., the Laxamana arrived, and took his place.

The Governor.-What would become of Ismail if the Raja Muda is made Sultan? The Mantri said, he did not know; but the Laxamana said, in times gone by there

had been ex-Sultans, called Sultan Muda, as the present Raja Muda's grandfather was, and Ismail might have a revenue, and a small district to govern as Sultan Muda.

The Governor.-What ceremonies should be performed for the installation of the Raja' Muda as Sultan.

The Lazamana.-He should be crowned at Bandar in the Perak river; and, even if some of the great men were not present, it would suffice if the Bandahara and Raja Muda

present.

were on this the Governor asked all---Are you ready to have the questions as to Ismail and

the Raja Muda settled now?

The Laxamana.-How about those who are not here?

The Governor.-This point has already been discussed. Are you yourself willing to

give your adhesion to the Raja Muda as Sultan

The Laxamuna.-Individually, yes.

The Bandahara.—Yes.

Raja Osman.-Yee.

Raja Abbus.-Yes.

The Maniri.-If the people like it, I have no place, I of course follow them.

The Tumongong-1 follow the course of the Bandabara.

The Datoh Gapar.-Same as Tumongong.

The Makotah.-I follow the Bandahara.

The Datoh Rough.—Yes.

The Shahbunder.-I will follow the Raja Muda.

Hajee Hussain and Hajee Mohamed Syed and five others all agreed.

The Governor.-Does Ismail take any interest in the Government of the country?

The Bandahara.-He lives a retired life.

The Governor then said that what they had been discussing would form the subject of

a Treaty, and asked them to name deputies to attend for them.

All agreed.

The following were then chosen :-Raja Muda, Bandabara, Laxamana, Mantri, and Shabbunder; and, at the request of the Mantri, his friend the Tumongong, was added.

The Mantri, on being asked to state anything he might have in his mind, said—As to the succession I have nothing further to say.

On this sirch and tes was served, and the conference broke up.

Explanation as to Bandahara Ismail's Appointment as Sultan.

90. With reference to the appointment of Ismail as Sultan, from the information received the most propable story is, that the appointment was intended as a temporary expedient, and could not possibly be permanent. By Malayan custom, the body of a

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